If you operate cranes, hoists, or rigging in a production environment, OSHA doesn’t just care that you own the equipment. They care that it’s inspected at the correct intervals, that required documentation exists, and that unsafe equipment is removed from service immediately.Neglecting OSHA’s crane inspection standards can quickly lead to citations, operational delays, and increased liability risk.
Below is a practical breakdown of the standards OSHA inspectors most often reference—and what “inspection-ready” actually looks like in the real world.
The OSHA standards that drive most crane and rigging inspection findings
29 CFR 1910.179 – Overhead and gantry cranes
This is the primary OSHA standard governing overhead and gantry crane inspections.
OSHA divides inspections into two categories:
- Frequent inspections: daily to monthly, depending on usage, environment, and severity of service
- Periodic inspections: performed at intervals ranging from 1 to 12 months
The standard also requires special inspections before cranes are returned to service after extended idle periods.
For specific components—such as hooks, hoist chains, and wire ropes—OSHA requires certification records, including:
- Date of inspection
- Inspector’s signature
- Equipment identification
Missing or incomplete records are a common inspection finding.
29 CFR 1910.184 – Slings
Rigging failures are among the most cited lifting violations.
Under OSHA sling inspection requirements:
- Slings and attachments must be inspected each day before use
- Inspections must be performed by a competent person designated by the employer
- Damaged slings must be removed from service immediately
- Slings must have legible identification markings so rated capacity and configuration are clearly known
If capacity markings are unreadable, OSHA treats the sling as unsafe—regardless of condition.
Supporting OSHA standards inspectors often connect to lifting operations
29 CFR 1910.147 – Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
Lockout/tagout applies during crane servicing or maintenance when unexpected energization could injure workers.
OSHA expects:
- A documented energy control program
- Equipment-specific procedures
- Employee training
- Periodic inspections of LOTO practices
LOTO gaps are often cited alongside crane maintenance findings.
29 CFR 1910.178 – Powered industrial trucks
In facilities where cranes and forklifts operate together, inspectors frequently review both.
This standard requires:
- Daily or per-shift equipment examinations
- Correction of defects before use
Lifting and material-handling violations are often evaluated as a system—not in isolation.
What “inspection-ready” actually looks like in practice
Facilities that stay ahead of OSHA crane inspection requirements typically have:
- Inspection intervals aligned with actual equipment usage and environment
- Clear separation between frequent and periodic inspections
- Findings that lead to timely repairs or removal from service
- Organized, retrievable inspection and certification records
- Defined responsibility for crane and rigging inspections
Being inspection-ready isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about reducing risk without disrupting production.
How Crane 1 helps facilities close the gap
Crane 1 helps facilities move from “we’re running” to “we’re inspection-ready.”
That includes:
- OSHA-aligned inspection programs
- Corrective repairs when issues are identified
- Documentation support for required records
- Practical guidance that fits real production schedules
The goal is compliance without unnecessary downtime.
Not sure how your inspection program would hold up during an OSHA visit?
A crane inspection walkdown can help identify gaps in inspection frequency, documentation, and equipment condition—before they become citations or downtime.
Request a crane inspection walkdown and program review.
No disruption to production. Practical guidance aligned with how your facility actually operates.